SHORTAGE OF SACKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23955, 2 November 1939, Page 2

SHORTAGE OF SACKS

AN APPEAL TO FARMERS MEASURES TO CONSERVE SUPPLIES IPer United Press Association; WELLINGTON, Nov. 1. An appeal was issued to-night by the Minister of Agriculture (Mr W. Lee Martin) to all users of sacks to conserve supplies as far as possible. “Since the outbreak of war the price of jute sacks has risen sharply.” said the Minister, and the new corn sacks to arrive next year will be appreciably dearer. Arrangements have been made to import extra supplies this year, and it is expected that there will be no shortage of new sacks for those purposes for which it is imperative to use them. . ~ , , “New sacks must be provided for milling wheat, for export grass and clover seed and for export peas, the Minister said, “ and considerable quantities are necessary also in the freezing industry for packing boneless beef and certain sundries. Wherever possible, second-hand sacks should be used to hold farm produce such as farmers’ dressed seed, potatoes, and grain seconds. The principal buyers of malting barley are organising for the return to barley growers of sound second-hand sacks for as much of the crop as possible, and arrangements have now been made throughout New Zealand for fertiliser manufacturers to repurchase through accredited agents their own branded sacks. Farmers can materially assist the position by taking particular care that sacks are shaken free of fertiliser and that they are kept perfectly drv. both on the farm and during transport. Care should also be taken to avoid damage to sacks by the use of hooks. “Over 6,000,000 sacks are used annually in the transport of agricultural lime,” Mr Lee Martin added, “ and here again careful handling can considerably lengthen the life of sacks. I hope that farmers will respond to this appeal and so secure the maximum possible use from sacks of all kinds.